(a)(1) A political subdivision may appoint a number of part-time law enforcement officers equal to two (2) part-time law enforcement officers for each full-time certified law enforcement officer employed full-time by and receiving a salary from the appointing political subdivision's law enforcement agency.(2)(A) However, if a political subdivision has a need for a greater number of part-time law enforcement officers than is authorized in subdivision (a)(1) of this section due to special or unusual problems or circumstances, the political subdivision may make a request to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training for additional part-time law enforcement officers.(B) Each request under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall state the special or unusual problems or circumstances involved that justify the request, the number of additional part-time law enforcement officers requested, and such other information as the commission may require.(C) If the commission finds that the public interest will best be served by allowing the political subdivision to appoint the additional part-time law enforcement officers requested, the commission may grant the request

n finds that the public interest will best be served by allowing the political subdivision to appoint the additional part-time law enforcement officers requested, the commission may grant the request under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section.(b) This section does not restrict the number of honorary police officers without law enforcement authority.Amended by Act 2023, No. 176,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.Added by Act 2021, No. 218,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.